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Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Writer's Digest Critique of The Price of Innocence

Last year I entered The Price of Innocence into the 19th Annual Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards. Winners were announced February 2012. Though I didn't make the top 10, I received a wonderful judge's commentary giving me the highest point available (5), which a contestant could score, in both plot and character development. I received a score of 4 for my design/cover, and 3 for grammar (point taken, even though I had it professionally edited). The judge's review followed:

This is a well-written researched story of iconic love, the first of a series of novels involving some of the same characters, which is set in late 19th century France and England. The characters and their relationships are clearly and credibly defined by their actions. The plot moves along at a steady pace, with interest sustained with each chapter. Some twists come along the way that add to the intricacies of the tale. The descriptions are apt and vivid. The scenes involving sex are integral to the story line, which has a brothel as a main area, and are not at all gratuitous. Overall, the book is a satisfying historical romance. (J. Strawser, Editor)

Needless to say, for my self-published debut novel, I was extremely grateful to receive such a critique from an editor associated with Writer's Digest.

For the next three months, the book has been placed in the KDP program on Amazon, and will not be available on other sites due to the exclusivity requirement. The Price of Innocence is currently free to Prime Members on Amazon through July.

It will be free for everyone from May 1 through May 5, 2012. The link is below.

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I love audio books. They open up a whole new world of entertainment. They save time from sitting down and reading a book. You can listen while driving to work, during work, taking a walk, running, or working outside and around the house. It's a time-saving opportunity to take a moment and enjoy your favorite books, acted out by talented voice artists, many of which are from television and stage.

The talent chosen for my book The Price of Innocence, Stevie Zimmerman, has extensive stage acting and production experience. My other narrators are from the stage, or are professional voice artists that have done television shows, documentaries, and commercials.

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The Price of Innocence

Permanently Free on Kindle (Debut Novel)

The Legacy Series

"In each family a story is playing itself out, and each family's story embodies its hope and despair." (Auguste Napier)

The Price of Love

“For love is like a tree; it grows of itself;it sends its roots deep into our being, and often continues to grow green over a heart in ruins."

(Victor Hugo - "The Hunchback of Notre Dame"

The Duke of Surrey

Did the Duke of Surrey really exist?

Richard II established the peerage in 1374, naming Thomas Holland as the first Duke of Surrey. It lasted until 1400, when after King Richard’s death Henry IV abolished the title. It was never recreated.

Since the name of Thomas Holland belongs to my great uncle, and Robert Holland belongs to my grandfather (both from Lancashire, England), I thought it an appropriate choice for The Legacy Series.

What People Are Saying About The Price of Deception

"The Price of Deception grabs you from the first page and never lets go as the characters come back together for a heartfelt novel full of twists and turns that keeps you guessing!"

"As a huge fan of The Price of Innocence, I knew the author had a huge task ahead of her when it came to creating a sequel that would meet my expectations. However, Vicki Hopkins has not only met my expectations.. but exceeded them!"

"I have been a fan of Ms. Hopkins' work for quite a while now and she has definitely delivered again with The Price of Deception. I love how the tension of the book remained constant throughout. Her characters were extremely well conceived and developed. I am already eagerly awaiting the conclusion of the Legacy Series with The Price of Love in 2012."

My Characters & Their Bad Habits

Robert can't seem to deal with emotion without a drink in his hand. Thank goodness for crystal decanters of cognac and brandy or the guy wouldn't be able to handle life, so I have his booze strategically placed throughout his residences.

Suzette is chronic worry wart. You'd think she'd get over this homeless thing and move on, but apparently lack of security has the tendency to make her wring her hands or bounce her knees. She cries way too much, as well. It annoys me.

Philippe is a pompous control freak with an over-inflated sense of honor. When he thinks that he's losing control, all those suppressed negative traits become prominent through expressed anger.

Jacquelyn has a loose screw in her pretty blond head. Obsession has a way of making you pushy, cranky, and irrational in your behavior. Can't have what you want in life? Then you'll make everyone else as miserable as you are until you get it.

Mama Kitty Review of The Price of Innocence

I appreciate Mama Kitty Reviews because she tells it like it is with grace. In June 2011 she reviewed The Price of Innocence, giving it 4.5 stars. Even though she wanted to torch my home over the ending, she expressed it with kindness and humor. Kudos. Follow her icon below to read.

It's Hereditary

My friend at work, who is Russian, thinks I write the way I do because of my Russian heritage on my father's side. They always pen books of tragedy and tortured characters. However, my mother was English. I've traced the Holland family back to the late 1700's in England. The English, of course, are all about drama when it comes to literature. I've decided that makes for a lethal combination in my genes as a writer. Blame it on my hereditary tendencies for writing books about people who struggle in life and go through drama. It's not my fault when the ghosts of my ancestors are my muses. (Vicki Hopkins)